YOUNG Power up-and-comer Jarrad Redden wants Port Adelaide's number one ruck spot in 2012 after a commanding 25 hit-out performance against West Coast on Saturday.
Redden is generally considered third in line behind the injured Matthew Lobbe and Hawthorn premiership player Brent Renouf, but said his goal was achievable this season.
"I've always had the confidence to one day get there," he said.
"Obviously we've got another couple of decent ruckman at our club with Lobbe and Renouf.
"I've worked hard over the pre-season and over the last couple of years, so I'm definitely going for that number one spot.
"I'm doing all I can."
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Redden was very impressive in his side's five-point loss in Mandurah, collecting 13 disposals to go with his hit-outs against his superstar opponent Dean Cox.
"I've always looked up to Dean Cox - he's a great ruckman and has been over the last, I don't know how many years.
"It was a great learning experience for me."
"He's exactly where I want to get to in the next few years."
Redden is yet to make his AFL home-and-away debut, and spent the 2011 season in the SANFL with Woodville/West Torrens. That looks unlikely to be the case in 2012 however, with his SANFL experience, combined with another tough pre-season, holding him in stead to hold his own in the big league.
"Last year I spent a lot of time in the SANFL and was lucky enough to go through the finals with the Eagles," he said.
"But I've done a lot of hard work, plenty of weights and, yeah, massive change from last year."
At 205cm, Redden has the height to match the competition's elite ruckmen. He said he had packed on 10-12kg since he was drafted in 2008, giving him the bulk he needed to compete, and over the summer had worked hard on getting his running capacity to the level that AFL football demands.
"It's something I'm still working on; I'm still not an elite runner by any means," he said.
"When I first arrived I wouldn't have been able to run out a game and on the weekend I was able to run out most of the game."
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After facing Cox last in round two of the NAB Cup, Redden now faces an even bigger challenge.
The Power will take on Fremantle in Victor Harbor on Saturday and at 211cm, Aaron Sandilands is the tallest player Redden will compete against in 2012. It's another tough ask and one that has the 21-year-old a little anxious.
"Again I'm nervous, but I get nervous before most games so that's nothing new," he admitted.
"The challenge just keeps increasing.
"He's an elite athlete … his height but also his strength; he's a great marker now and he's worked on his skills a lot as well.
"But I'll just compete and see how I go."
Harry Thring covers Port Adelaide news for AFL.com.au. Follow him on Twitter: @AFL_Harry.
